Jeremy Welder, CEO, BGC Okanagan

With immense pride and gratitude, we reflect on the extraordinary journey of transforming the lives of young people in our community.

BGC Okanagan Clubs have become beacons of positive influence, shaping the future of the children, youth and families who walk through our doors.

The statistics speak volumes about the unbelievable impact we鈥檝e had: 91 per cent of our kids express feeling connected to more people they care about. In a world that often feels disconnected, these numbers reflect the power of community and mentorship in fostering meaningful relationships.

Equally impressive is the fact that 89 per cent of BGC Okanagan Club participants have become better at lending a helping hand when needed. The values of empathy and altruism are actively practiced within the supportive environment of our Clubs, fostering of responsibility and compassion in our young people.

Physical well-being is a cornerstone of a healthy life, and I am delighted to share that 83 per cent of our members feel that they are more physically active because of their participation with our Clubs. Furthermore, the positive influence of BGC Okanagan extends to the life choices kids make, with an impressive 87 per cent stating that they make better decisions because of Club.

Perhaps most heartening of all is the boost in confidence reported by 85 per cent of BGC Okanagan Club members. As they discover their passions within the safe and inclusive space of our Clubs, they are building the self-assurance necessary to face the world with courage and optimism.

None of these achievements would have been possible without the incredible support we鈥檝e garnered from individuals in our community, foundations and corporate partners.

As we celebrate these milestones, we also look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead to address the child care need in our communities. In partnership with the City of Vernon and School District 22 we opened new service locations and look forward to the coming year where new facilities in West 91大黄鸭, 91大黄鸭 and Summerland are scheduled to open. Additionally, we were also able to add new $10-a-day programs as we continue to apply to the province to make more of our locations accessible for our families.

With community support, we are poised to continue empowering the next generation, shaping a brighter, promising future for young people in the Okanagan.